Wednesday, March 19, 2014

Tough Night for Catechism Bear

He questioned everything, disputed the teachings of the Church at every turn, argued with the Bear incessantly and even dragged up old chestnuts like the sale of indulgences. Wait, you're not really saying we have to believe everything the Church teaches on faith and morals, are you? He looks at me like I'm clearly insane. He wants to rewrite the Nicene Creed to remove the "sexist" language ("and became man.") And this guy wants to come into the Church? the Bear is thinking. (He just doesn't want to listen to her.) There sits poor old Bear, with his Bible and his Catechism of the Catholic Church (with tabs) groping for answers about exactly how the Holy Trinity works because it just doesn't make sense to the guy. A Jehovah's Witness would be more receptive. Finally, the Bear growls, "My job as catechist is to teach you what the Church says and Catholics believe. It's up to you whether you want to be baptized as a Catholic or not."

"Baptized?" he says. "What are you talking about? I'm the catechist for next week!"

It is terrible that these catechumens are receiving "instruction" from people who, no matter how good their intentions are they are not well grounded in the faith. This is just the sort of people who cause problems for these shiny new Catholics. Sound teaching is the back bone of the faith. There is no room for the wishy washy feel good every one's a winner mentality. Get em Bear!